Creative Community

Laboratory Network

The Laboratory Network is a membership scheme for professional and aspiring theatre-makers which aims to put artists at the core of what we do here at NST and assist the development of new creative relationships.

We support all theatre-makers working or aspiring to work through the many events and workshops the Laboratory creates occasions to meet other local theatre-makers, spark ideas and let projects develop.

Why membership will be beneficial:

£5 preview tickets for ALL of Nuffield’s produced shows, with selected deals for presented shows like our 5 for £5 on studio shows. Seeing work is just as important as making work and a great way to be inspired!

A programme of exclusive FREE workshops and other learning opportunities. Top up and broaden your experiences and own learning from fellow professionals.

Free producing surgeries. A way to bounce ideas round and get strategic advice on your next steps.

Be one of the first to hear about our open call opportunities to develop or present work at Experiment and through our other programmes. A safe and simple way to road-test new work, get feedback, advice and support from audiences and other artists.

Priority attendance at limited capacity events like Grapevine. Facilitated events to broaden your knowledge and to meet new people who are interested in similar work.

A LAB membership card offering seasonal discounts including up to two free filter coffees per sitting and 10% off food. Discounted food is always a bonus. Free coffee, even better!

The regular Network Digest emails packed with details of upcoming events, opportunities, call-outs and exclusive Laboratory deals. Artists can also promote their events in the digest. Keep up-to-date with behind the scenes info, and be the first to know about our opportunities.

Your commitment

Coming along to events and speaking to us in person is not only one of the best ways to introduce yourself and start a dialogue with NST, but also presents the opportunity for you to see work, support other artists and strengthen your own creative network. We ask Network members to make the commitment to come along to Laboratory events, engage with us and be an active member of the artistic community around Southampton and Hampshire.

Criteria for membership

We want to be as open and accessible as possible, but also provide a professional space for aspiring and established artists to get the support they need. We ask members to demonstrate how they are already established or aspire to become professional artists. By aspiring we mean those who can show desmonstrable commitment to pursuing a career in the performing arts.

We also require members to be over the age of 18. Our Connect Department's page has lots of brilliant opportunities for anyone under 18 so check out their web page for information.

Sign-up process

To become a member of the Laboratory Network, artists must complete the form below. You will receive a response within two weeks of your enquiry. If successful you will be charged a small one-off administration fee of £5.00. This allows us to offset a portion of our administrative and management costs in the distribution of materials and running of events. NST Laboratory is committed to supporting theatre makers through sustainable and affordable opportunities and your membership fee helps us to make sure we can continue to do this.

Grapevine

If you're looking to meet with other playwrights, directors, artists, performers & producers in Hampshire, then come to Grapevine, our informal artist networking evening, held once per quarter.

We want to present an opportunity to allow local artists to network with each other and share their knowledge. With discussion at its heart, each evening focusses on a particular theme or topic, such as ‘crowdfunding’ or ‘building your creative profile’, as requested by members of the Laboratory Network. We facilitate the conversation and encourage artists to ask questions and share their knowledge and experiences with the group.